ARGENTINA AND MESSI DAZZLED ALGERIA

​Defending champions Argentina kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup™ title defense in style, overpowering Algeria 3-0 at Kansas City Stadium.

​The headline story belonged completely to Lionel Messi, who marked his 200th senior international appearance by scoring his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. The historic display moved him level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the tournament's joint all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

​Match Highlights

​17th Minute: After both sides had early goals chalked off for offside, Messi opened the scoring in spectacular fashion. Picking up the ball 30 yards out, he rolled his defender, drove forward, and curled a classic strike past Algerian keeper Luca Zidane.

​60th Minute: Argentina doubled their lead after the break. Alexis Mac Allister unleashed a powerful strike that Zidane couldn't hold, and Messi was first to pounce on the rebound, finishing clinically with his right foot.

​76th Minute: The 38-year-old maestro capped off his historic night, cutting in at the edge of the penalty area to curl a trademark finish into the corner to secure his hat-trick and all three points for La Albiceleste.

​Group J Standings & Next Fixtures

​With this dominant victory, Argentina moves to the top of Group J on goal difference ahead of Austria, who defeated Jordan 3-2 in their opening fixture.

Argentina will look to secure their spot in the knockout rounds when they face Austria on Monday, June 22, while Algeria will take on Jordan.